Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly made two demands of the Reds if he is to snub Real Madrid and sign a new deal at Anfield.
The Spanish champions are said to have made their first move for the England international right-back on New Year's Eve, touching base with Liverpool but being given the cold shoulder right away.
Los Blancos are believed to be weighing up a second approach for Alexander-Arnold, who is now free to discuss pre-contract terms with foreign clubs after entering the last six months of his deal.
Liverpool are adamant that their vice-captain will not be leaving the club this month, and the club remain in talks with Alexander-Arnold's agents over an extension, but there is yet to be a breakthrough.
Uncertainty over Alexander-Arnold's future has increased significantly in recent days, with reports in Spain affirming that Real Madrid are confident that they will get their man, whether it be for a cut-price fee now or for nothing in the summer.
Alexander-Arnold 'wants three-year contract' to stay at Liverpool
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As conversations between Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold's entourage continue, talkSPORT claims that the defender has issued his club with two key criteria that must be met if he is to put pen to paper.
The first is that any length of a new deal is at least three years, prolonging Alexander-Arnold's stay at Anfield until the summer of 2028, by which time he will be approaching his 30th birthday.
Alexander-Arnold also supposedly wants guarantees that he will eventually inherit the captain's armband at Anfield, which could happen sooner rather than later if Virgil van Dijk does not sign fresh terms.
After being immediately rebuffed by Liverpool on New Year's Eve, Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to spend as much as €25m (£20.7m) to bring him to the Bernabeu in the next few weeks, according to Marca.
The 26-year-old could also expect a staggering wage increase to around £400,000 a week, and he shares a very close relationship with current Real Madrid star and England teammate Jude Bellingham.
Following news of Real Madrid's opening approach, Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti was coy when asked about the recent links to Alexander-Arnold, who has contributed 20 goals and 85 assists in 333 matches this season.
What about Van Dijk and Salah?
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Alexander-Arnold's chances of taking on the full-time captaincy in the not-so-distant future appear relatively strong, as Van Dijk turns 34 next year and could also depart for nothing when the current campaign ends.
However, it was claimed several weeks ago that the Dutchman has decided to stay at Liverpool for a little while longer, but the two parties are seemingly yet to reach a full agreement.
Meanwhile, Salah has allegedly said yes to a new deal in principle with Arne Slot's side, but there is still one obstacle preventing the Egypt international from making it official.
All of Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold will be expected to start when Liverpool square up to Manchester United in Sunday's Premier League blockbuster, as Slot's side hope to maintain their unassailable lead at the top of the table.
Ben Knapton
